CreateEscapes

Peace and tranquility

Relax

Time to think

Space to breathe

and to try something new

Enjoy

organic, home grown food, simply prepared

Taste a better life

in the company of open-minded, warm-hearted creatives

About us

CreateEscapes

You may be itching to write that novel but we know it is difficult to find the space and time to do it. Our holidays take place in beautiful locations, specially chosen for their inspirational settings, and will provide you with the perfect environment to really focus on your writing.

As publishing professionals and established authors, our tutors bring with them a wealth of experience and excellent contacts within the industry which will be invaluable to you on your journey as a writer. With a life coach on hand to help you overcome mental blocks, and yoga and massage available, our uniquely holistic approach will enable you to fully realise your creative potential.

We keep the numbers small (10-12 max ) to ensure a warm and friendly atmosphere as we know that the best holidays are not only about the places you go, but also about the people you meet and the memories you make.

Carol Birch - Tutor

Carol Birch is the author of 10 books including her most recent novel Jamrach’s Menagerie, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2011.

Carol was also shortlisted for Waterstones Author of the Year at the Galaxy National Book Awards and Jamrach’s Menagerie was a 'Richard & Judy Autumn Pick.'

Her previous novel Turn Again Home (2003) was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. She has also won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and the David Higham Award for Best First Novel.

Carol has a wealth of creative writing teaching experience.

Richard Madeley - "The best novel I have read in 15 years."

Guardian - “Birch is a naturally literary writer who can, with a simple image, evoke the deepest emotion.”

Francis Bickmore - Tutor

Francis Bickmore is Fiction Publishing Director at Canongate Books and has worked with some of most exciting names in literature including Philip Pullman, Yann Martell, A S Byatt, Scarlett Thomas, Geoff Dyer, Michel Faber and Nick Cave, among many others.

Francis has tutored creative writing students for the Faber Academy and Guardian Masterclasses, and has taught at UEA, Manchester, Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh universities.

Lucy Beresford - Tutor

Lucy Beresford is a psychotherapist, novelist and broadcaster. She works at The Priory Hospital Roehampton and in private practice. She is also the advice columnist for Psychologies magazine.

Her debut novel Something I’m Not received critical acclaim with The Literary Review calling it "shrewdly characterised and written with verve".

Lucy reviews fiction for Sunday Telegraph, The Spectator and the New Statesman, among others. On a practical level, she finds she cannot function without lip-gloss.

Angela Robertson - Tutor/Organiser

Angela Robertson is the founder of CreateEscapes. "I started the company to create the kind of holiday that I would like to go on myself. I'm passionate about literature, travel, new experiences, good food and great company."

As Head of Publicity at Canongate Books with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Angela has directed PR campaigns for a wide range of established authors and debut novelists.

Along with author Patrick Neate, she also runs Book Slam, London’s biggest monthly literary event which has played host to the likes of David Nicholls, William Boyd, Andrea Levy, Zadie Smith, Irvine Welsh and Lionel Shriver, among many others.